LUMUT - " His face looks peaceful, as if he’s sleeping'," said Mohd Termizi Abdul Ghani, 68, father of Warrant Officer II Mohd Shahrizan, 41, who was killed in the crash of two helicopters at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base here on Tuesday.
Shahrizan was one of the crew members of the Fennec Aircraft involved in a training session in conjunction with the 90th RMN Day Parade at the RMN Lumut Base alongside the Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM-AW139).
The retired government servant said that even though his son's body was not intact, he was able to identify his eldest son's face at the Lumut Military Hospital.
"I went twice for identification with my wife (Hasnah Yasin, 67) and my other child.
"Along's (Shahrizan) face was okay. I was told by the doctor that he suffered injuries to his hands and legs... split," he said when met by reporters at Taman Bunga Tanjung, Lekir here.
Termizi added that he rushed to the RMN Base after receiving news of the accident at about 10am.
"On the way from Ipoh, I thought the helicopter he was on crashed lightly and throughout the journey, I prayed for everyone's safety.
"But too many people called and told me that Along was no longer with us. I accepted it because I knew his career was very risky, and I am proud that he served the country," he said.
Termizi said Shahrizan was a good son and responsible towards both his parents and siblings.
"The last time I saw him was last Saturday when he came home. Along did not show any changes except mentioning that he was involved in training (rehearsal).
"This year also became a memorable one when all the children and grandchildren were able to gather together to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"Previously, it was difficult to gather because two other children also served in the army," he said.
Shahrizan leaves behind a widow Noor Ain Mohammad Ariffin, 41, and three children aged 21, 18, and 15 years respectively.
His body would be buried in the Batu 10 Islamic Cemetery near Lekir.